CHC Healthcare

Cruciate Ligament RuptureThe cruciate ligaments are found in the knees (back legs) of dogs. They hold the two long bones of the hind leg together. Rupture is caused by a sudden severe twisting of the ligament, or after the ligament has degenerated with age.

Lameness is the most common sign of cruciate ligament rupture. The dog may be unable to bear his weight, or he may limp. Other symptoms include loud cracking noises as the bones of the knee rub against each other, pain when the joint is touched, restricted mobility, stiffness, swelling, and weight shifting to compensate for the pain.

There are three different types of surgery to correct cruciate ligament damage, but there is no evidence to say that any of these is more successful than the other. With or without surgery, arthritis will normally affect the joint.

Two of my dogs ruptured their cruciate ligaments. Chappie was the first. Unfortunately, the vet diagnosed hip dysplasia – it’s common to misdiagnose this condition. Eventually a proper diagnosis was obtained, but the vet said that he was too big for an operation. This was our introduction to acupuncture, homoeopathy and radionics. Chappie lived to the age of 17 and continued to chase rabbits to the end.

Gwinnie also ruptured a cruciate ligament. This time she had acupuncture every week, gradually decreasing in frequency, and physiotherapy. I was advised by an animal physiotherapist to walk Gwinnie on tarmac, increasing the speed and distance gradually. Eventually she was running beside me as I rode a bike. Gwinnie lived to the age of 16. CDRM eventually weakened her back end, but she lived life to the full until the end.